A second-round pick in 2012, Curry has had an up-and-down career with the Eagles. He had a breakout year in 2014, recording a career-high nine sacks, which earned high marks from Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus:

With a scant 426 snaps in two seasons, this Eagle had to make quite impression to beat out a handful of deserving teammates. Well this defensive end has done just that and then some in his limited time on the field with Philadelphia. Fresh off a season that saw him collect a +11.9 overall grade and a +10.2 pass rushing grade, Vinny Curryis the Philadelphia Eagles Secret Superstar.

Even though Curry's sack total dipped to 3.5 in 2015, John Breitenbach of Pro Football Focus noted the 27-year-old was "amongst the best interior pass-rush specialists" with an 85.2 pass-rush grade in just 357 snaps.

The Eagles knew how valuable Curry was even before they re-signed him. Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com reported on Jan. 21 the team was prioritizing three of its key free agents, including Curry.

Mark Eckel of NJ.com reported after the Eagles' season ended on Jan. 3 that the front office had already made a "firm contract offer" to Curry.

In an interview with Eckel prior to Week 17, Curry said he wanted to play in the 4-3 defensive scheme that the Eagles used to run before Billy Davis took over as defensive coordinator in 2013.

"I have to be true to myself and do what's best for me and my career," Curry said. "I want to be where my talents will be best used. As far as free agency, I really haven't thought about where I want to go. I mean it's my first time as a free agent, so it's going to be interesting."

The Eagles hired Jim Schwartz to be their defensive coordinator on Pederson's staff. Even though Schwartz has not specified what kind of scheme he will bring to Philadelphia, the 49-year-old has employed the 4-3 system throughout his coaching career.

Whatever the reasons Curry decided to re-sign with the Eagles are, this is a huge win for the team. They are still climbing out of the wreckage from Chip Kelly's three-year run and need to build around a strong foundation.

Curry is a huge piece of the puzzle on Philadelphia's defense. He may not have the overwhelming sack totals, but his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks will be vital to bringing the Eagles to contention in the NFC East.